Canada to face Russia in Cyprus Cup

For more information on this match, please visit the following fixture link.



Canada’s women’s national team will face their first of five March opponents on Wednesday as they kick-off their participation in the 2008 Cyprus Cup. Canada will face Russia in Paralimni, Cyprus (15.00 kickoff). It is Canada’s first match in Europe in 18 months.



“The training regime for the first four-to-five days here in Cyprus has been slightly lighter than normal,” says head coach Even Pellerud. “We are adjusting to a 33-hour travel ‘day’ and 10 hours of time difference. We have allowed more time to the individuals and an overall easier schedule.”



Canada will play three matches in the Cyprus Cup – 5 March against Russia, 7 March against Japan and 12 March against an opponent from the tournament’s other group. In between, Canada will play a friendly against Scotland on 10 March; upon return from Cyprus, Canada will play another friendly against France on 14 March.



“The training fields are in top condition, so we are a pleased staff that enjoys 24 healthy players on the field once or twice per day. The hotel standard is good and the hotel location on the Larnaca beach could not be better.”



Canada has faced Russia’s top senior team once in Association history: a 1:4 loss back on 26 June at the FIFA Women’s World Cup USA 1999. In the last eight years, though, Canada’s women’s program – whose title sponsor is Winners – has risen to top-10 status in the world. Canada finished ninth at the FIFA Women’s World Cup China 2007 while Russia did not qualify through Europe.



“We are determined to improve our defensive shape and all individual skills linked to that task,” says Pellerud. “That has been a clear priority for the last weeks and also here in Cyprus. Another priority over the last couple of sessions is set plays. We have athletic players on the park and could potentially be a very strong team on dead balls. Good delivery and mental toughness/determination are other ingrediants in that mix. Whether all pieces come together remains to be seen on Wednesday.”



Canada is currently preparing for the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualification Tournament which runs 2-12 April in Mexico. Canada needs to finish amongst the top-two teams in the six-team tournament to win a berth in the Women’s Olympic Tournament Beijing 2008.



In Mexico, Canada is hoping to draw inspiration from letters and photos featuring the “We Believe” theme. Canadian fans and clubs (from all walks of sport and life) are encouraged to send their support to the team via mail (Women’s national team, 580-375 Water Street, Vancouver, BC, V6B 5C6), fax (778.330.1396) or email believe@soccercan.ca). Clubs are especially encouraged to mail signed team photos or short video messages.